Faced with debilitating hip damage, two patients sought relief from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway.
THOUGH MORE THAN 30 years separate their ages, both benefited from hip replacements at The Joint Replacement Center at RWJ Rahway. The damaged joints were removed and durable synthetic replacements were attached, offering them a second chance at living their lives to the fullest.
SPRY ENOUGH FOR A SUMMER WEDDING
When he was in his late 40s, Gene Schaefer, now 59, began feeling pain in his hips. His doctor diagnosed him with osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that gradually breaks down cartilage— the cushioning in joints.
Without this protective cushion, the bones in his hip joints rubbed against each other every time he moved, causing pain and inflammation. He tried nonsurgical solutions such as medication, massage therapy, and chiropractic adjustments, but the pain kept getting worse.
“It got to the point where I was avoiding doing things with my family and was worried that I couldn’t keep up with my young grandchildren,” says Mr. Schaefer, who, along with wife, Diane, lives in Westfield. “I had my left hip replaced in August. I was walking the same afternoon, and two days later I came home.”
Today, Mr. Schaefer is back on his feet and walking about three miles a day. He’s looking forward to fly-fishing at his favorite spots and walking his daughter down the aisle next summer. Mr. Schaefer credits his orthopedic surgeon, David Rojer, MD; his occupational therapists; and his physical therapists for continued recovery.
A NEW LEASE ON LIFE
Josephine Beninato, a 91-year-old Linden resident, may not sound like a typical joint replacement candidate. But when debilitating pain in her right hip threatened to restrict this retired preschool teacher to a wheelchair, her surgeon offered an alternative.
“My mother’s condition progressed until she couldn’t walk because it hurt too much,” says Angela Beninato, Josephine’s daughter. “She’s a vibrant person, and it broke my heart to see her in so much pain. Unlike some other doctors, Dr. Rojer gave us hope, and, after running tests, he told us she was a candidate for hip replacement.”
Ms. Beninato received a new right hip joint in August, then spent several weeks in the care of physical and occupational therapists at RWJ Rahway, learning how to walk again after years of pain.
The relief of her pain was almost immediate, and though she’s used a walker for several months, her family looks forward to having her back on her feet soon.